Newton Over Clausen

Even though QB Cam Newton was 8 for 19, he made impressive throws.

QB Jimmy Clausen wasn't too impressive in the first preseason game.

The Carolina Panthers beat the New York Giants 20-10 in both teams' preseason openers. The obvious story going into the game was the competition between last year's second round pick QB Jimmy Clausen and 2011 first overall pick QB Cam Newton. One preseason game isn't nearly enough to determine who should be the starting quarterback come September 11, but the country got a glimpse of what could happen in the near future.

Clausen's numbers were decent. He completed four of his seven attempts and one of the four completions went for a touchdown. However, one of Clausen's three incompletions resulted in an interception from LB Michael Boley, which was returned for a touchdown. Clausen rebounded to throw a touchdown to TE Greg Olsen before he turned the reins over to Newton.

Newton only completed eight of his 19 passes, but for 134 yards. However, he didn't throw a touchdown pass. Even if Newton's numbers don't indicate he was better than Clausen, he showed more maturity with his pocket presence and accuracy. A couple of Newton's passes were incomplete because they were thrown in coverage, but they were certainly on target. After playing in his first ever NFL game, Panthers' fans have to be impressed by what they saw from Newton and what they could get from him in the future.

Newton has three more preseason appearances to make before coach Ron Rivera has to make a final decision. The decision should be Newton. Newton's attributes as a developing pocket passer, in addition to his ability to run and take hits, gives the Panthers a great chance to improve. Clausen certainly won't be happy if Newton becomes the starter. Clausen's opportunity may not come with the Panthers, but if he improves his accuracy and pocket presence, he could be a good fit for another NFL franchise.